Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 3–4 pound boneless pork roast*
cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce
divided, homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup chicken stock or water
Directions
- 1
Whisk together the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, mustard and salt in a large bowl until evenly combined. Add the pork, then gently toss with the spice blend until it is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
- 2
When you’re ready to cook the pork, press “Sauté” on the Instant Pot. Add the oil. Then once it is hot (it will be shimmering), add a single layer of the pork pieces. Brown the pork on all sides, then transfer the pork to a clean plate and set aside. Repeat with the remaining pieces of pork. (This may take you 2 or 3 batches.)
- 3
Once all of the pork has been browned, turn the Instant Pot off. Then add the browned pork, chicken stock, and 1 cup of the BBQ sauce to the Instant Pot, and give the mixture a quick toss to combine everything. Twist on the lid, turn the vent to “Sealing”, then set the pressure cooker to “Manual” for 60 minutes. Once the time is up, let the vent naturally release. (Don’t do the quick release option.)
- 4
Carefully open the lid. Transfer the pork to a separate clean plate with a slotted spoon, leaving the juices behind. Press the “Sauté” button once more, and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes or until it has thickened and reduced by more than half. Meanwhile, shred the pork with two forks.**
- 5
Once the sauce has reduced a bit, skim some of the fat off of the top with a spoon or use a fat separator to separate and discard it. Then add the shredded pork back into the sauce, and give everything a good toss so that it can soak up those tasty juices.
- 6
Serve immediately, topped with an extra spoonful or two of the remaining BBQ sauce.
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork
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About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate tender, flavorful BBQ pulled pork but short on time? This Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork recipe delivers that slow-cooked taste you love, ready to feed a crowd with surprising ease.
The secret to its success lies in the Instant Pot, which coaxes a 3-4 pound boneless pork roast into succulent, shreddable perfection. A robust dry rub, featuring smoked paprika, light brown sugar, and garlic powder, infuses the meat with a smoky, savory depth, laying a delicious foundation before your favorite BBQ sauce even comes into play.
Get ready for incredibly tender, fall-apart pork that’s rich in a complex blend of sweet and smoky spices, then coated in your preferred BBQ sauce. This dish offers a satisfyingly rich flavor profile without being overly greasy. Designed to yield a generous 10-12 servings, it’s a perfect centerpiece for gatherings, game days, or for enjoying throughout the week.
Personalize your pulled pork by selecting a BBQ sauce that matches your palate—whether you prefer a sweet, tangy, or spicy variety, both homemade or store-bought options are excellent here. The blend of spices in the dry rub, from smoked paprika to ground mustard, creates a balanced flavor, but you can always adjust to your taste. For the cooking liquid, chicken stock or water can be used interchangeably.
This Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork shines served on soft buns for classic sandwiches, piled high with coleslaw, or as a hearty main dish for casual get-togethers.